Vehemency Hospital Productions is known for its various noise and experimental records, so it is always nice to see the label release something as, well, normal, as the lo-fi black metal of Curved Blade. But most certainly, Be Like Death tape doesn’t disappoint at all, in fact, it is filled with great mysteriousness that I’ve always enjoyed, and it’s hard to come by such authentic sounding darkness that Be Like Death provides. Tape format is most fitting for the hissing, murky mid-tempo black metal wandering, somewhat reminiscent of the simplicity of Musta Kappeli and, especially in the incomprehensible vocal department, various Les Legions Noires acts.

Logically, the sound is very rehearsal quality but all the instruments - and that means guitar, bass, drums and synths (!) - are enough distinguishable, even if somewhat hidden in the aura of trance-inducing utter blackness. And not only the metal is very tastefully done, but both of the songs on the tape have short ambient sections utilizing acoustic guitar, synths and guitar feedback as far as my ears decipher. These fit just perfectly with the death-reeking cryptic black metal. One of my only complaints goes to the total playing time which barely clocks at ten minutes, making me eager to hear a lot more. Hopefully this wasn’t just a one-time experimentation and there is more to follow, because Be Like Death convinced me big time.